The factors influencing STD through SOR theory

Abstract

Smart Tourist Destinations (STDs) are revolutionising the tourism landscape by leveraging technology to enhance tourism experiences. Nonetheless, this study shows that little attention has been paid to how tourists' perceptions impact the use of tourism applications within STDs. To address this gap, the study introduces a unique conceptual framework based on the Stimulus–Organism–Response (SOR) model. This approach considers various aspects, such as social, cultural, physical and environmental stimuli, while also considering satisfaction and perceived value as internal responses and loyalty as the ultimate response. A quantitative study of 554 tourists visiting the STD of Cáceres was conducted to validate this framework. The findings provide insights into the relationships among stimuli, mobile apps and loyalty, offering transformative potential for shaping tourists' attitudes and behaviours. Overall, this study sheds light on the transformative potential of technological solutions in STDs and presents practical implications for destination management and the development of effective strategies to improve tourism experiences.